Key takeaways
- A handful of shortcuts removes thousands of mouse movements a month.
- Most Windows shortcuts use Ctrl, and Mac uses Command in the same place.
- Learn two or three new shortcuts a week instead of memorising a list.
The short answer
Keyboard shortcuts let you copy, paste, switch windows and take screenshots without reaching for the mouse or trackpad. Each one saves only a second or two, but over a working day that adds up, and it also makes work feel smoother. You do not need to learn them all. Start with the ones you already do many times a day.
The essentials
| Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Copy | Ctrl + C | Command + C |
| Paste | Ctrl + V | Command + V |
| Cut | Ctrl + X | Command + X |
| Undo | Ctrl + Z | Command + Z |
| Redo | Ctrl + Y | Command + Shift + Z |
| Select all | Ctrl + A | Command + A |
| Find on page | Ctrl + F | Command + F |
| Save | Ctrl + S | Command + S |
If you only learn two things from this guide, learn copy and paste and undo. Undo alone has rescued countless documents.
Moving between windows and apps
| Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Switch app | Alt + Tab | Command + Tab |
| Show desktop | Windows key + D | F11 or a trackpad gesture |
| Lock your screen | Windows key + L | Control + Command + Q |
| Open search | Windows key + S | Command + Space |
Screenshots and clipboard
- Windows: press Windows key + Shift + S to select an area and copy it. Windows key + V opens clipboard history if you have turned it on.
- Mac: press Command + Shift + 4 to select an area, or Command + Shift + 3 for the whole screen.
- Paste the screenshot straight into a chat or document with the paste shortcut.
Browser shortcuts
Because so much work now happens in a browser, these are worth the effort.
| Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| New tab | Ctrl + T | Command + T |
| Close tab | Ctrl + W | Command + W |
| Reopen closed tab | Ctrl + Shift + T | Command + Shift + T |
| Jump to the address bar | Ctrl + L | Command + L |
| Refresh page | Ctrl + R or F5 | Command + R |
Text editing shortcuts
- Hold Shift with the arrow keys to select text a character or line at a time.
- Hold Ctrl (or Option on Mac) with the left and right arrows to jump a whole word.
- Press Home and End to jump to the start or end of a line.
- Use Ctrl + B, I and U (Command on Mac) for bold, italic and underline in most editors.
How to learn them without stress
- Pick the three actions you repeat most.
- Write the shortcuts on a sticky note beside your screen.
- Force yourself to use them for a week, even if it feels slower at first.
- Add two more the following week.
Quick checklist
- Learn copy, paste and undo first
- Add Alt + Tab or Command + Tab for switching apps
- Learn the screenshot shortcut for your system
- Use browser shortcuts for tabs and the address bar
- Practise two new shortcuts each week
Key points to remember
Shortcuts are one of the cheapest ways to work faster. If your computer itself is slow, see our tips to speed up a slow laptop and, if you plan to buy a new one, how to choose a laptop for work or school.
This guide is general information to help you decide and act with confidence. Features, prices and settings change, so confirm current details with your device maker or service provider before you act. Last reviewed October 2026. Read our editorial standards.
